Freshwater Fisheries
Title:	Applying GIS to coldwater stream conservation in Massachusetts
Author(s):	Alicia J. Norris, David Szczebak, Dana J. Ohman, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Date:	Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Time:	8:25am - 8:45 am
Room:	Salon C
Abstract: Coldwater stream habitat has been degraded by land use practices affecting habitat connectivity, water quality, and water quantity and may be further degraded by temperature increases from climate change. The main purpose of this project has been to promote awareness to various conservation groups regarding the sensitivity of coldwater streams through both the mapping and development of science-based information and recommendations to promote protection, conservation, and restoration of these resources. Streams are largely determined to be coldwater based on fish survey data collected by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. However, most of these data were mapped at a general scale (100K). In order to depict coldwater resources at a local level, processes were developed to link information in the current MassGIS Hydro (100K) to NHD linework (24K). Coldwater maps will be produced and made available in multiple formats (e.g., paper and electronic) with other products, like GIS-based, web formats, to follow. Maps will also be accompanied by a guidance document on coldwater stream conservation. Prior to releasing all documents statewide, a pilot project will be initiated to assess the effectiveness of the guidelines and maps as educational and guidance tools.
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